stridespirit | We live only once, make the best of your life, simple collection of inspiring articles in bite sized goodies

No one will come and save you. No one will come riding on a white horse and take all your worries away. You have to save yourself, little by little, day by day. Build yourself a home. Take care of your body. Find something to work on. Something that makes you excited, something you want to learn. Get yourself some books and learn them by heart. Get to know the author, where he grew up, what books he read himself. Take yourself out for dinner. Dress up for no one but you and simply feel nice. it’s a lovely feeling, to feel pretty. You don’t need anyone to confirm it.”

– Charlotte Eriksson

– Illustration : Yaoyao Ma

–Lijo Joy

One day, a boy asked his old grandfather,
“Grandpa, let me take this opportunity to ask a question; what is life like?”

The old man stood in thought for a moment, with a look of intense surprise on his face, then he said,
“Come, on boy! I want you to follow me to the market place, I need to buy a few things – a number of things, actually. When we return, I’ll tell you what life is like. Let’s go!”

The boy and his grandfather went to the market place in the town. They bought detergent, toothbrush, tissues, toilet paper, some vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk and fish. They spent a wonderful time together, had so much fun, told jokes, laughed a lot, and it was an incredible experience.

Later in the evening, they arrived home, tired and hungry, but delighted to have had such an enjoyable time together. The boy then asked his grandfather,
“So tell me, grandpa… what is life like?”

The old man said,
“Let me ask you a question first. What happened after we finished shopping at the market place?”

The boy answered,
“We came home.”

The old man smiled broadly and whistled,
“Good! That is how life is! Life is like shopping at the market place; after you finished, you go home! Listen boy, life is like a market place. Everyone comes to the market to buy or sell. And when the market time is over, everyone goes back home. Some people came and forget what they want to buy, while some people came and buy what they want to buy and go. Some make the most out of every moment, while some dwell in sadness and regrets. Some leave early, some leave later, but all return home at one time or the other. Some are in a hurry, while a few are patient to order their steps. Whether or not you are doing well in life, you must go home one day. We are not here to stay forever. But the important question is; when we eventually return home, what will we bring from the market place? What type of footprints are we going to leave?”

–Chima_Dickson Official

1. Taking Responsibility:

Real men understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions. This habit goes beyond simply admitting when they are wrong; it involves owning up to the consequences of their choices and working to make amends. They don’t make excuses or blame others for their circumstances. Instead, they face challenges head-on and use their experiences as learning opportunities. By taking responsibility, they build credibility and trust with others, which is foundational for any meaningful relationship. This practice fosters maturity and accountability, setting the stage for personal and professional growth.

2. Developing Self-Discipline:

Self-discipline is a cornerstone habit that men cultivate in all areas of life. They set clear, achievable goals and establish effective routines to reach them. This involves prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term pleasures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing finances wisely, or advancing in their careers. By mastering self-discipline, they develop the ability to stay focused and resilient in the face of distractions and setbacks. This habit empowers them to make consistent progress toward their aspirations, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

3. Seeking Continuous Growth:

Men are committed to personal growth and lifelong learning. They actively seek new knowledge, skills, and experiences, understanding that growth is a continuous process. They embrace challenges and step out of their comfort zones to push their boundaries. This habit includes reading, attending workshops, learning new hobbies, or seeking mentorship. By constantly pushing themselves to improve, they become more adaptable and innovative, capable of navigating an ever-changing world. This commitment to growth not only enhances their own lives but also positively impacts those around them.

4. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional intelligence is crucial for building strong, meaningful relationships. Men develop self-awareness, allowing them to understand their emotions and the impact they have on others. They regulate their emotions effectively, ensuring that their reactions are appropriate and constructive. By empathizing with others, they build deeper connections and navigate social complexities with ease. Effective communication and mature conflict resolution are key aspects of this habit, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

5. Showing Respect:

Real men treat others with respect, regardless of their background or status. They listen attentively, value different perspectives, and treat everyone with dignity. This habit is about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual and behaving in ways that reflect this understanding. Respect is earned through actions, not demanded, and men who consistently show respect build strong, supportive networks both personally and professionally.

6. Practicing Integrity:

Integrity involves upholding high moral and ethical standards. Men who practice integrity act with honesty, honor, and consistency in their personal and professional lives. They value trust and are true to their word, ensuring that their actions align with their values and principles. This habit builds a reputation of reliability and respect, fostering trust and admiration from others.

7. Embracing Leadership:

Leadership is not just about holding positions of power; it’s about taking initiative and inspiring others. Men who embrace leadership make decisions confidently, take responsibility for their outcomes, and motivate those around them to achieve their full potential. They lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in others. This habit involves empowering others, contributing positively to families, workplaces, and communities, and striving to create a better environment for all.

Incorporating these habits transforms boys into men by fostering maturity, responsibility, and the ability to positively influence their surroundings.

–Intellinz